Today was hot and humid, which turned to thunderstorms tonight. We still had a great day. After a bite to eat at the hotel, we headed back to the mall area to see the things we had seen last night during the day. There were a lot more people, of course, but it was still great.
Our first stop was the Vietnam Memorial again. People everywhere paying their respects. But the moment that moved me the most, was a hearing two different young fathers explaining to their young boys how significant the memorial was, that all the people had died, and how to behave. In a day and age when we are so use to children running amok in public places, it was moving to hear these young fathers taking responsibility and teaching their children. I actually teared up as I walked by the one pictured here. 
We revisited the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool, then headed over to see the Korean War Memorial, another moving memorial. We discovered a flag display in the lawn that was really something. Each little flag in the grass had a photo of a vet attached to a cutout of the state they were from. It appeared to have been done by school children. So cool. 
After a water break, we headed over to the Memorial Bridge to take in the Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride and demonstration. The motorcycles went on for hours! It was incredible. We heard estimates ranging from 50,000 to 350,000 riders. Absolutely amazing showing. 
After a bite for lunch, we took in the Smithsonian American History Museum. It was nice to get out of the heat and into air conditioning. The American History Museum has a wide range of exhibits. Everything from food to presidents. We got to see Dorothy's ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz, Archie Bunker's chair, and Michelle Obama's (and other First Ladies) inaugural gown. Probably the coolest exhibit was the Star Spangled Banner. I had no idea that it was so huge or that a lot of it was cut off as souvenirs for friends before it was given to the Smithsonian. Unfortunately, it was the only exhibit where they did not allow photography.
We headed toward the Capitol Building for the concert next, but it started to rain on our way there. But it was just sprinkling, so we kept going. By the time we arrived, it was pouring. Without ponchos, hats, or any kind of rain gear, and no end in site to the rain, we decided it was a bit foolish to sit out on the lawn for 3 hours waiting for the concert. Uber rates had been jacked up 2.5 times because of the demand for cars, so we started walking. Sigh...what a walk! About 20 blocks in the pouring rain. When we finally arrived at our room, our keys wouldn't work. Will went to the front desk only to find we had been checked out of our room! The issue was rectified fairly quickly, thank goodness. We got into our room and found everything still there. Whew!
Just finishing watching the Memorial Day Concert in our room, on TV, nice and dry. :) Tomorrow, is Memorial Day and we're hoping to get to Arlington Cemetery in the morning, then back for the parade in the afternoon. This city knows how to celebrate our veterans!
Today's favorite quote, heard from a young man hawking water, "Don't let dehydration ruin your vacation!"
Today's favorite quote, heard from a young man hawking water, "Don't let dehydration ruin your vacation!"
Cheers all!
Rich & Will
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